study of prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in patients with metabolic syndrome.

Background: The study was undertaken with an objective to study the thyroid functions in patients with metabolic syndrome diagnosed as per International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria and to know the spectrum of thyroid dysfunction. Methods: A total of 300 patients with metabolic syndrome diagnosed as per IDF criteria were included in the study. A detailed history regarding symptoms of hypothyroidism and examination was done in all patients and all these patients underwent thyroid profile tests. Results: A total of 300 patients with metabolic syndrome were included in this study. Thyroid dysfunction was present in 45% of the patients. Hypothyroidism was noted in 43 patients, subclinical hypothyroidism was noted in 114 patients, subclinical hyperthyroidism in 6 patients and hyperthyroidism in 1 patient. This study included 166 males and 134 females. 10% of the patients had symptoms related to hypothyroidism. 7% had goiter on examination. Thyroid dysfunction was seen in 68% females compared to that of 47% in males. Females had higher incidence compared to males. Elderly females (42%) and males in the age group of 40-50 years (41%) had higher incidence of subclinical hypothyroidism compared to others. Conclusions: Prevalence of thyroid disorders in diabetics was 45%. Elderly population had more incidences. Sub- clinical hypothyroidism was more common among females.

Rathke's cleft cyst--an uncommon cause of headache in a young boy.

Developmental disorders of the pituitary can present like a mass lesion in the region of the pituitary and produce pressure effects. Rathke's cleft cyst is one such developmental disorder of the pituitary which presents in early life producing pressure effects namely visual disturbances due to its proximity to optic chiasma, headache, and hormonal imbalance due to pituitary malfunction. In this case report a 19 years boy presented with symptoms of headache and gradual loss of vision over one year period. Neuro-imaging study demonstrated a cystic lesion in the region of the pituitary. Trans-sphenoidal hypophysectomy was performed. Histopathology of the biopsied material was suggestive of Rathke's cleft cyst. Following surgery the boy had a good visual recovery. So early diagnosis and removal of a Rathke's cleft cyst has a good prognosis as compared to a craniopharyngioma which is a very close differential diagnosis.